18 Gifts That Will Please Every Wine Lover in Your Life
Receiving wine as a present is a treat any day of the year. During the holidays it’s particularly appreciated, what with chilly weather, in-laws, and pitch-black afternoons. These gift sets, accessories and experiences will please both the casual and experienced oenophile. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that any of the 2022 winners of the NY International Wine Competition would make excellent gifts as well.
Note: Any of the alcohol shipments require someone 21 or over at home to sign for delivery.
Sure any wine lover already has a corkscrew, but this one is next level. A precision, ergonomic wine bottle opener works like a charm and is display-worthy on any countertop or home bar. The handles hold your bottle in place while you easily depress the corkscrew, then extract the cork in one fluid motion. Comes with built-in foil cutter.
$100
Landing in the sweet spot between a mini-bottle advent sampler and a full-sized three bottle set is this collection of half bottles covering a broad sampling of California-based Duckhorn Vineyard’s wine portfolio. Six half-bottle (375ml) versions of the winery’s flagship wines arrive in a festive box. You’ll receive six different offerings including the 2020 Migration Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and a 2020 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay. The set sells out quickly, so this is a good one to jump on.
$165
Box wine is one of life’s perfect indulgences (and there are lots of legitimately good box wines out there these days), but the presentation leaves a little to be desired. Dress up any box wine with these clever dispensers. Ideal for any event from gallery openings and bridal showers to the Big Game (or heck, Wednesday), the fillable, BPA-free three-liter bag works with any standard box wine while the chic wooden box provides stability, ease of transport, and elevated charm. A slate label allows you to identify what’s inside. Set it out on the counter and let the party begin! Available in five fun colors. As an added incentive, Wine Nook will plant a tree through the National Forest Foundation
$80
Bondle, a direct-to-consumer fine wine experience began when chef Duyen Ha launched Magnum Wine Company. With a focus on terroir and seasonality, Bondle curates and streamlines the fine wine buying experience, then adds a festive spin to its packaging and celebration suggestions. This five-wine sampler features a range of styles to appeal to every guest. Bottles in the 2022 collection include a 2021 Cabernet Franc from Domaine De L’R (Chinon, Loire), a 2021 white blend from La Mongestine (Côteaux d’Aix-en-provence), and a 2020 Carignan Blanc Orange wine from Les Terres Promises (IGP Sainte Baume), among others.
Starting at $430
One of the first “curated” wine advent calendars on the scene, the kit contains 3.5-oz samples of twelve different reds, whites and rosès, packaged in an elegant holiday-themed display box. There are two options this year: Holi-Day and ‘Twas the Night. The first features wines that trend crisp, bright and bright. Perfect with hard cheeses, nuts, or a savory lunch. The second highlights wines that are bold, silky and rich with full tannins and dark fruit notes. Great for sipping by the fire, or alongside an earthy, wood-fired pizza.
For the very thirsty, Vinebox is now offering a 24 Nights of Wine collection for $199. With either collection, you’ll be able to access a Virtual Tasting experience featuring a certified sommelier who will provide additional information and tasting note suggestions as you sip along.
$129 (12 Nights)
There are a lot of “wine facts” card decks out there, but this one asks and answers the good questions. Simple questions (“How much should I spend for a good bottle?”) on card backs are given detailed, carefully thought-out and researched answers on the face. Even experienced wine geeks will learn something new.
$19
California’s Benziger Winery offers a number of cool gift packs, but for the Earth-friendly folks on your gift list, consider this pair, paying homage to the history of the Benziger estate, which has striven for a natural balance and sustainability in its wine growing since it was founded in 1979. Paradiso de Maria (a tribute to family co-founder Mary Benziger) is a bright, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. Oonapais (the indigenous name for the Buckeye trees on Sonoma Mountain) is a bold wine with notes of spice, chocolate and dark berry. Arrives in a festive wine gift box.
$90 (Club Price $72)
Another popular “24 Nights of Wine” selection, this advent calendar from In Good Taste consists of 24 different mini-bottles (6.5 oz) from around the world, each perfect for sharing. Sip each night through Spain, California, Italy on curated and exclusively produced reds, whites and rosés. But it gets better: There’s a small booklet included that features tasting notes, pairing ideas and wine factoids with each selection (they’ll also send a daily email with tasting notes). The box is fairly heavy, so plan accordingly if the recipient needs extra help getting the package.
$150
If “Why Not Both? ” is one of your favorite memes, this is the perfect wine collection. The Holiday 2022 version features samples of 12 wines and eight spritzes, providing something for everyone. You’ll receive two each of Usual Wines’ California red, rosé, Grenache, brut rosé, Pinot Gris, and four each of their Raspberry Spritz and Guava Spritz. You’ll also save about $35 compared to buying them individually.
$109
Host your own wine flight tastings at home with this clever acacia wood board. A swath of slate at the base allows you to label each glass (or use numbers for blind tastings), and the kit comes with two pieces of soapstone chalk. Holds up to four glasses (not included) for verticals, horizontals or themes.
$40
One of the prettiest wineries in Sonoma to visit (featuring incredible pairing meals) Rodney Strong’s reserve wines are sure to be appreciated by the red wine lover on your list. Highlighting three bold reds from the brand’s Reserve cellars, you’ll compare, side-by-side, three 2018 varietals: Malbec (each lot is aged separately in French oak, blended, and aged another 24 months), Cabernet Franc, and Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (a late harvest bottle). You’ll also save $30 buying as a gift set vs individually.
$135
New York-based Sami Gorin creates colorful, pop culture-driven cartoon art who specializes in paper goods and accessories. From vibrant celebrity sketches to memes-turned-ceramic pins, Gorin has all your Millennial needs in one place. You’ll get one 5.5” x 4.25” folded card (blank inside) with envelope to wish your favorite oenophile a Happy Holiday. Other booze-themed cards feature cocktails, White Claw cans and more.
$5.50
A new, charming collection of rooms and cabins nestled in the redwood forests along the Russian River, it’s ideal for romantic weekends, wine tasting getaways to Napa/Sonoma, weddings and more. Thanks to this proximity to wine country, you’ll find a number of related tastings, experiences, and classes each month. From food pairing classes to sunset wine tastings and free forest bathing with wine (from a certified nature therapist), Dawn Ranch is ready to immerse you in all things oenophilic. Music fans will appreciate the new collaboration with Fender guitar, featuring live music and access to actual guitars (in premium rooms, or during group campfires) and guitar lessons via Fender Play, an online learning platform. Check out the calendar for upcoming classes and experiences.
Prices Varies
If you’re in San Francisco and can’t make it out to wine country, swing by Eco Terreno’s brand new Urban Wine tasting Room in North Beach. The historic three-story space was home to an integrated night club in the 1920s, and Mona’s (the West Coast’s first lesbian bar) in the 1940s. Now Lyon & Swan, a stylish supper club crouches below street level, while the Urban Tasting Room sits at ground level. Founder Mark Lyon offers up a five-course pairing tasting, highlighting old vine wines, every afternoon. Of course you’re greeted with a glass of sparkling wine. A number of other tasting experiences are also available.
$130 / person
Oregon’s Willamette Valley is well known for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, among other fragrant, fruit-driven varietals. Sokol Blosser has been making wine in the Dundee Hills, overlooking the Willamette River, since 1971. Not only are the wines fabulous, but so is the landscape. Consider a blowout weekend with a private helicopter tour of the region with Jerry Trimble Helicopters, followed by an elaborate six course Farm & Forage tasting menu paired with estate wines. Chef Travis Bird will offer up of-the-moment locally sourced foods, along with greens, mushrooms and other estate-foraged goodies. If you’re seeking more down-to-earth options, Sokol Blosser has packaged a number of themed wine gift boxes, including Three Shades of Pinot ($99), Holiday Feast ($239), or Classic Evolution ($59).
$1,600 (up to four guests)
It’s likely you’ve come across these very helpful, attractive BPA-free plastic wine glasses. Designed for outdoor use (or wherever it’s great to not have to worry about glass), they are shatterproof, dishwasher safe, easy to grasp, and they look great (a far cry from red plastic cups). They’re even recyclable when you’ve reused them as much as you’re able. Now they look even better with these whimsical holiday glasses. Each 16 oz glass features a stylized graphic evoking wintry, Santa-driven fun. Available individually, or in two- or four-packs.
$29
If you’ve always wanted to start your own winery, here’s a lo-fi way to get your hands dirty. The Groupon experience provides you a one-year ownership of two vineyard vines in a Napa Valley vineyard. The gift recipient will get a certificate of ownership with an image of the vines via email. The opportunity to “visit” vines any time, either in person or via webcam (of the whole vineyard). Two tickets to the February pruning party and the September harvest party (you’ll get to stomp grapes!). Take care of your vines throughout the year, or let the winery do it. You can also secure 50% off all wines made at Carneros della Notte Winery (glow-in-the-dark wine labels!).
$119
People have been producing wine on this Napa Valley estate since the mid-1800s. Bernard Ehlers purchased the vineyard and helped turn it around into the magnificent vineyard and winery it is today, helped along in the 1980s by French entrepreneurs and philanthropists Jean and Sylviane Leducq. Today it’s an elegant, visually arresting winery nestled amongst the hills near St. Helena. Get to know their wines with this “starter” kit: the award-winning 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re ready for more, order the Estate Series Gift Pack ($245) or the discerning Cabernet Collector Gift Pack ($275).
$120